French's International Copyrighted (in England, her 

Colonies, and the United States) Edition of 

the Worlcs of the Best Authors. 



1^ d i^ V„ 4^°- ^"^ 



1 THE BEST MAN | 

? E Comeb^ in ©ne Bet i t 



BY 

ELEANOR MAUD CRANE 



Copyright, igio, by Eleanor Maud Crane 



^ 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 



s 



4^ NOTICE.— The professional acting: rights of this play are reseryed ^ 

^ by the publisher, and permission for such performances most ^ 

^ be obtained before performances are given. This notice does tei 

^ not apply to amateurs, who may perform tlie play without m> 

^ permission. All professional unauthorized productions will ^ 

4^ be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. ^ 



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[Moicow 



VOU I. 
1 Ion 
t Ful* 

I Tb« l*ij •! LfODt 

4 RIchtlUu 

* Tb« Wlft 

( Tfa* Hon«7Q)oon 

1 Tb* Scboul for Scudal 

I Moa«T 
VOL. 11. 

t Tbo Strannr 

10 Urudfatbar Whltehekd 

11 Richard III 
It LoTt'i Sacrifloo 
II Tbi OauKiUr 
U A Cur* for tha Htartach 
U Th« HuDcbback 
It DoD Cciar di Buui 

VOL. 111. 
II Th* Poor OtDtUmMi 
II Huultt 
I« Cb>rlM II 
30 VtDica PrauTTad 
11 Plurro 
9S TIjt Lot* Chau 
93 Otbtllo 

14 LtQd ma Ftrt SbllllDia 
VOL. IV. 

S< Vlr(lnlui 

n KIdc of tha Coinmona 

II London AiauraDca 

15 Tba Rant Day 
It Two(iantlen:.ii ofVarona 
lOTba Jaaloui Wlf* 
II Tba Rlvali 
19 Parfaatlon 

VOL. V. [Dabli 
as A Naw Way to Pay Old 

14 Look Bafora You Laap 

15 King Jobn 
It Narroui Man 
87 Damon and Pvthtat 

18 Clandaitlna Marriaf* 
» William Tall 

40 Day afur tha Wadding 
VOL. VI. 

41 Spaad tha PIourIi 
41 Komao and lullat 
41 Faudal Timai 
44 Cbarlai tba Twalfth 
41 Tba Brida 
41 Tha Folllaa of a Night 
41 Iron Chait [Fair Lady 
41 Faint Haart Navar Won 

VOL. VU. 
41 Road to Ruin 
•0 Macbath 
il Tainpar 
II Eradna 

13 Bartram 

14 Tba Duanna 
II Much Ado About Kothlng 
II Tba Crltla 

VOL. VIII. 
II Tba ApoiUta 
•I Twalfth NIgbt 
II Brutua 

10 BImpion A Co 

11 Marcbai.l of Vantca 

19 OldHaadi&ToungHaarta 
II Mountalnaart [rlaga 
M Thraa Waaki aftar Mar- 

VOL. IX. 
IIUt* 

II Aa Tou LIka It 
II Tba Kldar Brothar 
M Waraar 
II Olilppna 
to Town and Coanlrf 
11 King Laar 
Tl Blua Darlli 

VOL. X. 
« Hanry VIII 
14 Marrlad and IlngU 
tl Hanry IV 
tl Paul Pry 
tt Ouy Mannarlng 
tl twaathaarta and WWaa 
II larloui Family 
16 Ina Itoapa t« Usnfoar 

(FrtHcVt Standard Drama Conlinued oh jdpat' o/Covtr.) 



VOL. XI. 
SI Jullua Ciiiar 

89 Vicar of Wakeflald 
S3 Laap Yaar 

14 The Catipaw 

tl Tha Paiitug Cloud 

81 Drunkard 

87 Rob Roy 

88 Ueorge Barnwell 

VOL. XII. 
SI Ingomar 

90 Skeicbai In India 

91 Two Friendi 
H Jane .Shore 

93 Coralcan Brotheri 

94 Slind your own Bustneas 
ii Writing on the Wall 

91 Hair at Law 

VOL. xin. 

IT Soldlar'i Daughter 

9 Douglaa 

99 Marco Spada 
lUO Nature's Nobleman 
101 Sardanapalut 
109 ClviUiatlon 

103 Tha Robbart 

104 Katharine and Petrucblo 

VOL. XIV. 

105 Game of Love 

lOe Midtummer NIght'i 
101 Erneetlna [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Parii 

109 Flying Dutcbmao 
lid Hypocrite 

111 Tberata 
1 19 La Tour de Naile 
VOL. XV. 

113 Ireland Ai It la 

114 Sea of Ice 
lU Sevan Clerki 
n« Game of Life 
111 Forty Thievea 

118 Bryan Borolhme 

119 Rouiance and Reality 

190 Ugolino 

\\ 1. XVL 

191 The Temueit 
199 The Pilot 

193 Carpenter of Rouen 

1 4 Klng'i RIvnl 

195 Little Treaiure 

191 Dombey and Son 

19* Pnrantiand Ouardlana 

118 Jewell 

VOL. XVII. 
199 Camilla 

130 Married Life 

131 Wanlock of Wenlock 

139 Roia of Ettrlckvala 
l33DaYM Copperfield 

134 Aline, or the Roae of 

135 Paulina [Klllaruey 

186 Jane Kyre 

1 VOL. XVIIL - 

187 Night and Morning 
138 iEtblop 

l.t9 Three Ouardimen 

140 Tom Cringle 

141 Henriette, the Foraaken 
149 Euitaohe Baudin 

143 Emeit Maltravart 

144 Bold Dragooni 

VOL. XIX. 
141 Dred, or the Diamal 

[Swamp 
141 Last Days of Ponipaii 
141 Esmeralda 
141 PeUr WilUna 
149 Ben the Boatswain 
IfO Jonathan Bradford 
151 Retribution 
111 MInerall 

VOL. XX. 
Ill French Spv 
154 Wept of WIsb-ton Wish 
Hi Evil Ganlua 
111 Ben Bult 
111 Sailor of Franc* 
111 Red Mask 
II* Life of an Aotr*H 
UO Wadding Day 



VOL. XXI. 
Ill All's Fair in Lore 
189 Hofar 

63 Self 

64 Cinderalla 
165 Phantom 

168 Franklin 
161 Tba Gunmaker'of 
118 The Lore of a Princ* 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Son of the Night 

110 Rory O'Mor* 

111 Golden Eagl* 
•79 Rienil 

178 Broke:i Sword 
74 Rip Van Wlnkl* 
175 Isabella 

116 Heart of Mid Lothian 
VOL. XXIII. 

1 77 Actress of Padua 

178 Floating Beacon 

179 Bride of Lamniormoor 
I8(J Cataract of the Gangei 
181 Robber of the Rhine 
189 School ot Reform 

183 Wandering Boyi 

184 Maxeppa 
VOL. XXIV. 

185 Young New York 

186 The Victims 

187 Romance afi«r Marriage 

188 Brigand 

189 Poor of New York 

190 Ambrose Gwiiiett 

191 Raymond and Ague* 
199 Gambler's Fate 

VOL. XXV. 

193 Father and Sou 

194 M.sBanlailo 

196 Sixteen String Jack 

196 Youthful Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innk.eper ol Ablievllla 

199 Miller and bii Men 

900 Aladdin 

VOL. xxvr. 

901 Adrienne tba Actreti 
9U'J Undine 

9U3 Jesse Brown 

904 Asmodeus 

905 Mormons 

906 Blanche of Brandy wine 
901 Viola 

908 Deseret Deserted 
VOL. XXVIl. 

909 Americana in Parii 

910 Victorlne 

911 Wiiard of th* Wave 
919 Castle Spectre 

911 Horsa-shoa Robinson 
Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 
Fashion, Mrs. Miiwatt 

916 Glance at New York 
VOL. XXVIU. 

917 Inconstant 

918 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

919 Guide to tha Stage 

990 Veteran 

991 Miller of New Jersey 
999 Dark Hour before Dawr 

993 Midium'rNight'sDreaii 
[Laura Keena's Editio 

994 Art and Arliflca 
VUL. XXIX. 

996 Poor Young Man 
991 Osaawattomia Brown 

997 Pope of Roma 
991 OiiTer Twist 
9';9 PaurretU 

980 Man in the Iron Mask 

981 Knight of Arra 
939 Moll PlUber 

VOL. XXX. 
933 Black Eyed Susan 
l-.'A Satan in Paris 
936 Rosina Meadows [ess 
936 Wast End, or Irish Heir- 
917 Six Degrees of Crime 
988 The Ladv and the Devil 
M9 Avengerior MoorofSici- 
1940 Maaks and Faces [ly 



VOL. XXXI. 
941 Marry Wives of WIndior 
949 Mary's Birthday 

943 Shandy Maguira 

944 Wild Oats 

945 Michael ErI* 

946 Idiot WItneia 

947 Willow Copsa 

948 Paoola'a Lawyer 
VOL. XXXIL 

949 The Boy Martyr* 
960 Lucretia Borgia 
951 Surgeon of Paris 
959 Patrician's Daughte* 

953 Shoemaker of Toul us* 

954 Momentous Question 

955 Love and Loyalty 
966 Robber's Wi'fe 

VOL. XXXIIL 
957 Dumb Girl of Genoa 
9 8 Wreck Athor* 

959 Clarl 

960 Rural PeltcItT 

961 Wallace 
969 Mndalaina 

963 The Fireman 

964 Grist to the Mill 
VOL. XXXIV. 

965 Two Loves and a Life 
66 Annie Blake 

'.'61 Steward 

968 Captain Kyd 

969 Niik of tha Wood* 

910 Marble Heart 

911 Second Love 

979 Dream at Sea 

Vol. XXXV. 

913 Breach of Promiae 

974 Review 

975 Lady of the Lake 
916 Still Water Run* Deep 
•2-,l The Scholar 

918 Helping Hands 

919 Faust and Marguerite 

980 Last M:.n 
VOL. XXXVT. 

981 Belle'! Stratagem 
9»9 Old and Young 

983 Raffiiella 

984 Ruth Oakley 

985 British Sir ve 
A Life's icansom 

987 Giralda 

Time Tries All 

VOL. XXXVIL 
Ella Rosenburg 

990 Warlock of the OI*n 

991 Zelina 
999 Beatrice 
9v3 Neighbor Jackwood 
994 Wonder 
996 Robert Emmet 

996 Green Bushes 

VOL. xxxvin. 

997 Flowers ol the Koreat 

998 A Itachelor of ArU 



301 Love's Labor Lost 

309 Naiad Queen 

303 Caprice 

304 Cradle of LIberlv 
VOL. XXXIX. 

306 Tlie Lost Ship 

306 Country Squire 

301 Fraud and Its VIotIm* 

308 Putnam 

109 King and Dosertar 

310 La Fammlna 
811 A Hnr.l Struggle 

311 Owinnetle Vaugban 
VOL XL. 

Ill The l.ov. Knot [Judge 

314 Lavater. or Not a Bad 

315 The Nobia Haart 
311 Coriolanus 
317 The Winter's Tal* 
118 Eveleen Wilson 
III Ivanhne 
190 Jonathan In England 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City, 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogfue Mailed Free on Request. 



THE BEST MAN 



% Comctip in #ne %tt 



BY 



ELEANOR MAUD CRANE 



Copyright, 1910, by Eleanor Maud Crane 



Notice— The professional acting' rights of this play are reserved 
by the publisher, and permission for such performances 
must be obtained before performances are given. This 
notice does not apply to amateurs, who may perform the 
play without permission. All professional unauthorized 
productions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

?8-30 WEST 38th STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 






K 



\p 



iClO 22846 



THE BEST MAN 

A Comedy in One Act. 



CHARACTERS : 

Mr. Richard Ford .... The Bridegroom. 

Mr. George Bradly . . . The Best Man. 

Miss Margaret Gibson . . . The Bride. 

Miss Marion Gibson . . . The Maid of Honor. 



Scene : Vestry-room of St.PauVs Church.^ Fairview, N. Y. 

Modern Costumes. 

Time : The present. 



properties. 

Stage properties as per scene-plot at head of act. 
Grips, umbrellas and light rain-coats for men to enter 
with. Shoe-box containing new patent-leather ties, 
with red-paper hearts pasted upon the soles, for George 
to carry. Both men have watches which they consult 
constantl)'. Pink evening-dress, slippers, gloves, fan, 
and pink silk stockings in grip carried by Dick. 

Dainty gowns protected by light wraps worn by girls. 
Both carry dripping umbrellas. Marion has a grip the 
duplicate of Dick's. 



2 



THE BEST MAN 

A Comedy in One Act. 



Scene. — Vesiry-rootn of St. PaiiVs Church, Fairview, 
N. Y. — Doors D. L. and u. R. Three or four high- 
backed, ecclesiastical-looking chairs. A table upon 
which half a dozen hymnals are piled. A few suit- 
able pictures, etchings or engravings of prominent 
buildings of a religious nature. Potted plants and 
flowers, evidently intended Jor the church decorations, 
will relieve severity. 

Time, — Late afternoon. 

{Enter Richard Ford d., l. carrying grip which he 
deposits on chair. Shakes few drops of rain off his um- 
brella, places his hat on grip, nervously looks at his watch 
and compares it with clock, talking over his shoulder to 
George Bradly who follotus him into room.) It's all 
very well for you to be so infernally funny about it, 
but I tell you it's no laughing matter. 

George {locking door, removing his hat and proceeding 
to undo box, containing a pair of shoes, which he has 
brought in under his arm). My dear Dicky, the holy 
state of matrimony. 

Dick {stopping in the act of rettioving his ties). If you 
don't shut up I'll break your head. 

George. Now if that wouldn't jar you. Here I've 
come to officiate as chief pall-bearer. Hi, there 
{dodging the shoe which Dick throws at him), I've got 
my fingers crossed. 

3 



4 THE BEST MAN. 

Dick (angry and nen>ous). D — dash you, George, 
I — I'm not joking. I'm in a blue flunk. Do — do — 
do you suppose it's too late to — to 

George {rolling zip sln'ng). Send your regrets ? 
Well, rather. {Half sings, half whistles) Can't get 
away to marry you to-day, my nerve won't let me. 
{Holds up tics that he has Just taken from box so the au- 
dience can see bright red hearts pasted on the soles.) 
Aren' t they butes ? {Holdifig thetn so Dick cati't see 
the soles then kneeling before him to help him get them on) 
Here, let me give you a boost ? 

Dick. You needn't. I can manage. Have you 
got the ring ? 

George {rising to his feet, brushing his knees then 
looking at Dick's disconsolate expression). Yes, but for 
the love of Mike, man, change your face. Think of 
something pleasant. 

Dick {dolefully). There's nothing pleasant to think 
about. {Looks up angrily into George's laughing face) 
Now, what in blazes are you laughing at, you bloom- 
ing idiot? 

George {sinking into a chair). Dicky boy, you're 
the joy of me life. You're a three-ring circus all by 
your lonesome. 

Dick. Feel like a lunatic asylum let loose. There, 
I've broken my collar. Hope you brought an extra 
one. 

George {slappitig his pockets). Gee, I forgot all 
about it. And you can't wear that. It's a sight. 

Dick. Never mind, there's one in my grip. (George 
proceeds to undo grip) Easy now, she's pretty full. 

George {starting back in surprise as grip opens and 
reveals a pretty pink evening dress, pink slippers, gloves, 
fan and accessories' to ladfs evening dress). Great 
Jumping Jehosophat, look who's here I 

Dick {starting up in dismay). Where in blazes did 
those things come from ? 

George. You can search me. {Holds up dress) 
What do you call it ? Is she coming or going? 



THE BEST MAN? 5 

Dick. Drop it, George. You'll get into trouble. 

George {looking at dress admiringly). She's a peach 
all right. {Holds up slippers) By Jove, aren't the)' the 
cutest tricks you ever saw ? Imagine walking upon the 
things that fit into these and calling them feet. Say, 
Dicky, I believe these belong to the bride-to-be. 

Dick. Bride nothing. Brides don't wear pink. 

George. Don't they ? Why not ? 

Dick. Give it up. Only know they don't. 

George. I never noticed. Never had any use for 
them. It was always the bridesmaids for mine. 

Dick {as George holds up dress again). It can't be 
Mabel Hills. She' s too — well — too — too — you know, 
to fit into that. 

George. She'dyf/" all right if she'd go "as is" but 
she wouldn't. Nay, nay, never. 

" What the Lord has forgotten 
She made up in cotton." 

Dick {pacing to and fro). Wish it were over. 
Know I'm going to trip up on those infernal command- 
ments and make a mess of things generally. Let's 
see, how does it begin ? Now I lay me 

G'E.O'RG^ {taking lip prayer-book jfrofn table). Wait a 
minute, here's the dope-sheet. I'll give you your cues. 
{Places Dick D. r.) You'll be about here, where 
everyone can see you. 

Dick. Like fun, I will. Look here, George, isn't 
there a pillar or — or something big and — and high 
that we can stand beside. 

George {patting Dick's shoulder). Don't be afraid, 
little one. I'll hold your hand. 

Dick {shaking him off). Get out. Do you know I 
can put up with everything but that infernal waiting at 
the head of that — that Bridal- path with all those grin- 
ning faces glowering at me ? W'hy the devil a man 
can't get married decently without making a holy show 
of himself, I can't see. 

George. Then they'll start up the Dead-march. 
Like this 



Q THE BEST MAN. 

Dum, dum, dee-dum, 
Dum, dum, dee-dum, 

Dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dee- 
dum. Only miles slower. 

Dick. Did you say you had the ring ? 

George. Yes, and when I give it to you, you bridge 
it to Margaret, she passes it to His Nibbs and he goes 
back 'til it's up to you again. 

Dick. If you'll quit your ragging and talk United 
States 

George. I'm not kidding. That's straight. It's a 
sort of " Button, button, whose got the button ? " game, 
but when it's over you're " it " once more. 

Dick [grim/y). Seems to me I'm *'/V" right along. 

George. Then when he says, " for richer, for 
poorer, for better, for worse, 'til death us do part and 
may the Lord have mercy on your soul," you kneel. 

Dick. That's a blessing, I'm so wobbly in my knees 
now, 1 can't walk. 

George. See here. You're not going to disgrace 
me in this fashion. It's really a painless death after 
all and soon over, so hold up your head, throw out 
your chest and be a man. 

Dick {smki?ig disconsolately into chair). How can 
I when I feel like a cur ? 

George {shakirig his head at him). How the devil 
you ever screwed up enough courage to propose to 
that girl gets me 1 

Dick (sighing). I — I didn't. 

George (aghast). Didn't ! Do you mean to say 
that she — (leani?ig back in disgust) Oh, you're 
mooney. 

Dick. George, if I tell you something, will you 
swear, by all that's holy, you'll never breathe a word of 
it to a soul ? 

George. I slomestly plomess. 

Dick. And you'll forget it as soon as I tell you ? 

George. I'll do my durndest. 

Dick. Well, I never knew it was Margaret I'd 



THE BEST MAN. Y 

proposed to till the next day. Thought it was Marion. 
There — Now do you blame me for feeling like a hound ? 

George {in almost speechless astonishment). By — 
by Jupiter, Dick, come again. I — I don't grasp it. 

Dick. Neither did I at first. It was the night of 
the Parleys' Ball, last February. We were in the con- 
servatory. You — you know their conservatory ? 

George. Well, I guess ! Dim, shadowy. Proposed 
to four girls there in one night. 

Dick. That's the place. Well, she left me for a 
dance with that Benson fellow. Know him ? 

George. Yes. Decent sort of chap. 

Dick. Silly ass, you mean. Well, I waited for her 
and — and she came back. At least I thought she did. 
Their voices are alike, you know, and they both had 
on sort of white kimona thingumbobs. And — and 
well — I did it then. She — she seemed a bit taken 
back and asked me to give her time. Just then some 
fool rushed up, butted in, carried her off, and I didn't 
get another opportunity to speak to her again that 
night. The next morning she sent me a little note 
saying she felt honored and all that and signed herself 
mine forever. — Margaret. 

George. Well, I'll be 

Dick {smiling faintly). That — that's what I said. 

George. And you let this — this — farce go on ? 

Dick. What else could I do ? I couldn't tell a 
girl after she'd accepted me that I didn't mean her at 
all but her sister. Beside Marion didn't care for me, 
I found that out shortly afterwards, and — and Margaret 
did. 

George. Oh, she did, did she ? 

Dick. Must have or she'd never have accepted me. 

George {thoughtfully). Well, I'll be 

Dick {impatiently). You said that before. 

George {half to himself). The night of the Far- 
leys' Ball — that was the time of our falling out. By 
Jove what an ass I've been ! what an owl 1 what a 
dope 1 And all this time — well, I'll be 



8 fHE BEST MAN. 

Dick. If you say that again I'll choke you. 

George. Dicky, you're an angel, you're a — a — t 
could hug you. 

Dick {looking at George in surprise). Are you 
crazy ? 

George. I think I am. Why don't you see ? 
Can't you see ? It's as clear as daylight. 

Dick. No, I don't see. I can't see anything. I 
should say it's as clear as mud. If you will kindly 
explain 

George. I can't. I am too excited. By Jove, 
but she was game. She's a thoroughbred clear through. 

Dick. Well, I'll be hanged if I know what you're 
ranting about, but I can't tell you what a relief it is 
to 

George. To get this off your chest. I don't doubt it. 

Dick. Remember you promised to forget it. 

George. Forget your grandmother. Why that girl, 
that girl, — what time is she to get here ? Has that 
clock stopped ? 

Dick {/ooki?ig at his watch). I wish it had. Wish 
all the clocks would stop. {Stops before grip) By Jove, 
wish I knew whom that grip belongs to, for whoever 
owns it has got mine and that means trouble. 

George. Jingo, I have it, it's Marion's. Of course 
it is. Don't you remember we met her at the station 
and stopped to shake hands and pow-wow. Said she'd 
just gotten in from Boston for the wedding. Is that 
some one coming, Dick ? (Stops, listens.) 

George. Holy smoke, it's the parson. {Jams 
things into grip, toe of one pink silk stocking dangling out) 
Here, get them in somehow. Now I cut with this to 
the girls and you wait for me here. 

Dick. Alone ? Not much. Why he'll want me to 
sign the pledge, or — or say the catechism. No, sir. 
I'm going right with you. 

George. But we can't both leave. They'll all be 
here any minute and think we're showing the white 
feather. You straighten out the grips and I'll wait. 
I'm not afraid of the Dominie. This way through the 



THE BEST MAN. 9 

church. {Opens door u. r. gives Dick his hat and the 

grip) Now beat it. 

{Exit Dick u. r. K knock at door d. l.) 

George {going to center and playing nervously with 
book). Oh, er — come in, {The knob is turned but the 
door doesn't open) Gee, I forgot it was loaded. ( Opens 
door with a flourish) I beg your pardon. {Stops aghast 
at seeing Margaret Gibson standing on the threshhold) 
Mar — Mar — garet 

Margaret {looking at him in amazement). Mr. 
Bradly. 

George {jiervously catching up his hat and tivisting 
it rapidly as he talks). I — er — I — that — is you. It — 
it's a nice day. 

Margaret {shaking her umbrella nervously). Is — 
is it? 

George {fanning himself with hat). Yes, that is — 
it — it would be if — if it wasn't raining. Of course 
rain — well, rain sort of spoils it. It — it's always so 
beastly wet, you know. 

Margaret. Is — is it ? 

George {mopping his forehead). Yes. That — that 
is some rain is. I — I mean rain — rain is sometimes. 
What I really mean is — is — some rain is — is wetter 
than others. It — is really. 

Margaret {coming forward and speaking in a low 
voice). I — I hardly expected to — to find you here. 

George. Nei — neither did I. It's — it's as much a 
surprise to — to me as it is to — to you. — It is, really. 

Margaret. I — I thought you were — some place 
else. 

George. Yes, yes, I — I was I — go there often — 
very often. But — but I — I'm not there now. 

Margaret. So — I see. 

George. No — I — I'm not there now, because — 
because — I — I'm here. You — you see, Dick's best 
man failed him. He — he's desperately ill, you know. 

Margaret. Mr. Lawrence ill ? 

George. Yes. He — he went to the hospital to 



10 THE BEST MAN. 

have his tonsils removed — simple operation, you know, 
very simple. But they made a mistake and — and took 
out his appendix. So — so, you see, he — he couldn't 
get here and Dicky sort of roped me in. 

Margaret. I — I understand. 

George {relieved). That — that's jolly good of you. 
I was tremendously afraid you wouldn't. That — that 
you think it rather queer my — my butting in. Are — 
are you sure you don't mind ? 

Margaret {sloivly). No, I — I don't mind. Only 
you — you took me by surprise. I didn't know — I had 
no idea ^lat you 

George {interrupting her). Neither did I. I can't 
quite grasp it now. If— if any one had told me last 
February that before the year was out I would be best 
man at j^?/r wedding, I'd — I'd well I'd have thought 
they were dippy. 

Margaret. It's — very kind of you. 

George. Kind ? kind ? Margaret. Taking her 
hand) What's the use of all this pretending. I — I 
just couldn't stay away another minute. 

Margaret {turning from him). Don't, Mr. — Bradly, 
you — you mustn't. It — it's too late. 

George. I know it is. I've been a fool — a bUnd 
fool and I've lost you and I've only got myself to blame. 
I know it all better than anyone can tell me. I know 
in twenty-four hours you are going to be married to 
him— that you have come here now for the rehearsal, 
that in a few minutes they will all be here and I shall 
never see you like this again. 

Margaret. George, I can't let you talk so. You 
don't realize what you are saying. 

George {bitterly). But I do. I realize all — every- 
thing. I realize that I've been a fool and that I've got 
to suffer for it all my life. That this is part of the 
price I've got to pay for my folly. To stand by and 
see you married to him. To see you made his wife 
and all the while I — I 

Margaret. George, please. 

George. Oh, don't worry. I shall behave myself. 



THE BEST MAN. H 

I shall throw rice and old shoes with the best of them. 

I'll be the joUiest of the bunch. You'll see. 

Margaret, If I had only dreamed 

George. But you didn't, how could you ? I — I 
acted like a brute and you naturally thought I was one. 

Margaret {quickfy looking up from her seat beside the 
table). I didn't at all. I thought. — {Pauses.) 

George {bending over her). What, Margaret ? Tell 
me, what did you think ? 

Margaret. I thought you were — in love with 
Marion. 

George. Marion ? Marion ? You don't mean 
Marion ? 

Margaret. Yes. You — you were always to — 
gether and — and I knew you were too — honorable to 
ask for your release so — so I set you free. 

George. But you engaged yourself to Dick ? 

Margaret. Yes, I know. I never dreamed he 
cared for me. But, when I found that he did, I — I 
thought I could at least make him happy. Besides I — 
I didn't want you to think that I had any regrets. 
So — so — well — that's all. 

George. And — and you never cared a hang for 
him. Margaret, my own little sweetheart. {Kneels 
beside her, kissing her hands,) 

Margaret {rising). Don't, George. You — you 
mustn't. 

George. Mustn't I ? When I've been starving for 
a sight of your face for all these months? {Tries to 
take her in his arms.) 

Margaret. George, you — you — forget. Suppose 
some one should come in ? 

George. Let them. Let the whole world come in. 
Let 

{Enter Marion d. l. Margaret rushes to opposite 
side of room. George ivalks to window straighten- 
ing his tie, his back to Marion.) 

Marion {laughing). Don't mind me. I've got 



12 THE BEST MAN. 

both eyes shut. I just want to know if Dick took my 
grip by mistake at the station. 

George {tunihig quickly). Yes, he did, but 

Marion {looking in surprise from George to Mar- 
garet). Mr. Bradley. Why, why, I thought Dick 
was here with Margaret. 

George. He — lie is. I — I mean he — he was. 
That is he is looking for you. 

Marion. For me ? 

George. Yes. You see it's been you he's wanted 
all along. 

Marion. What under the svm are you talking 
about ? Dick wants me ? 

George. Yes. He — he's only just found it out. 
{^Ruefully) But, by Jove, I don't suppose I should be 
the one to spring it on you. 

Marion. I — I don't understand. 

George. Neither did I at first. Nor he, nor Mar- 
garet for that matter. But it's all coming straight. It 
is really. 

Marion. Margaret, what on earth does he mean ? 

Margaret {putting her arms around Marion and 
her head do7vn on her shoulder). I don't know. But 
oh, Marion, he does care. He's cared all along. I — I 
can't help crying I — I'm so happy, 

Marion (/;/ disgust). Well, I think this wedding's 
gone to everybody's head. I can't get a grain of sense 
out of a single soul to-day. {To George) I ask you 
where my grip is and you 

George {interrupting her). I told you Dick has it. 

Marion. But what is he doing with it ? 

George. Trying to find you. Here he is now. 
{Enter Dick d. l. with ^rip.) 

Dick {going to Marion). Marion, I've been chasing 
you all over town. 

Marion {catching sight of pink silk stocking hanging 
from s^rip). Do — do you mean to say that you carried 
that grip — so — through the place ? 

Dick. Of course I did. What's the matter with 
that grip ? 



THE BEST MAN. 13 

^ Marion {indignantly taking grip from him and goifig 
u. R. with Margaret). What's the matter with it ? 
What's the matter with it ? 

{Exit Marion and Margaret u. r.) 

George {slapping Dick on the back joy/u//y). Dick, 
you were right. I've straightened it all out. Shake, 
old man. {Holding out his hand) Congratulate me. 
If it hadn't been for you, I — I'd — Are you sure you've 
no objections ? 

Dick. Objections ? I ? What right have I to object ? 
You — you're a lucky fellow. 

George. And now what are we going to do about 
the rehearsal ? 

Dick {puzzled). The rehearsal ? 

George. Yes, the rehearsal. For the love of Mike 
don't look so dumb. Haven't we all come here for the 
rehearsal ? 

Dick. Yes, but what of it ? 

George. W' hat of it ? Why man alive, it can't go 
on now. 

Dick. I don't see why not. 

George {trying to speak patiently). Haven't I just 
told you. She — she loves me. She's loved me from 
the first. 

Dick. Then why not make it a double wedding ? 

George, Double your grandmother, She can't 
marry both of us. 

Dick. She can't do what ? 

George. Marry both of us, you ninny. 

Dick {indigriantly). Well, who said she could ? 

George. You did ? 

Dick {looking George over from head to heels). Are 
you crazy ? 

George. Crazy, nothing. Didn't you just say make 
it a double wedding ? 

Dick. Of course I did. And I say it again since 
you and Marion have patched it up. 

George, Since who ? 

Dick. Since you and Marion — Marion — Marion. 
Are you deaf ? 



l^ THE BEST MAN. 

George. Who the devil is talking about Marion ? 

Dick. Why you are. You've done nothing else, 
but talk about her since we landed. 

George (shaking his head). Well, if that ain't the 
limit. 

Dick. Didn't you tell me that she loved you ? That 
she's loved you all along ? Never loved anybody else 
but you ? Never could, would or should love anybody 
but you — you — yo7(. 

George. And I — I told you that ? 

Dick. You certainly did. 

George {shaking his heaa). Well, one of us is batty 
and I know it isn't I. Why, man, it's Margaret I love. 
Margaret. I never dreamed of telling her so till you 
said — just now 

Dick. Margaret ? You don't — you don't mean — 
you — you. 

George. That's it. That's what all the row's 
about. Now you've got it all. Just let it soak in a 
bit and it'll take. 

Dick {in utter amazement'), Margaret I And you 
say she loves you. Has loved you all along ? But — 
but where do / come in ? 

George. That's the blow I've been trying to break 
to you. 

Dick. But why the deuce did she accept me ? 

George. That's the hardest one yet. That's what 
bowled me over. I haven't quite figured it out. 

Dick. And — and Marion ? 

George. Well, that's up to you. 

Dick. To — to me ? 

George. Didn't you say that it was Marion you 
meant that night in the conservatory ? 

Dick. Yes, but 

George. That you never knew until the next morn- 
ing that you'd proposed to the wrong girl ? 

Dick. I know, but 

George. That having made the mistake you were 
game enough to play out the hand ? 

Dick. That's so, but 



THE BEST MAN. 15 

George. If you but any more you'll turn into a 
goat. Now I'm going to send her in to you and {look- 
ing at his watch) you'll have just five minutes to square 
yourself before the procession starts. 

{Exit George u. r.) 

Dick {startifig after him). But I — I say, don't — 
don't leave me like this. I — I 

{Enter Marion d. r.) 

Marion {looking about). Where is he? 

Dick. Who? 

Marion. George said someone was here and wished 
to speak to me. 

Dick {fumbling with his collar). Yes, there — there is. 

Marion {looking about again). Why, I don't see 
anybody. 

Dick. You're not very complimentary. 

Marion {laughing). I beg your pardon. That was 
awfully rude. But I never thought of you for a second. 

Dick. Thank you. 

Marion. Oh dear, that's ruder yet. I mean I 
thought there was some one here who wished to see 
me particularly. 

Dick. So there is. Some one who wishes to see 
you most particularly. {Taking her hand) Marion, 
listen to me. It's all been wrong. Wrong from the 
start. There's been one big misunderstanding, but one 
fact remains unchanged — my love for you. 

Marion. For — for me ? You don't mean me. Oh, 
I — I see you — you are joking. How foolish of me to — 
to take you seriously. 

Dick. Marion, will you? 

Marion. Will I ? I don't understand. 

Dick. Will you take me seriously ? 

{Enter George briskly.) 

George. Time's up. {To Marion) Did he do it 
prettily ? 

Marion. Do what ? 



16 THE BEST MAN. 

George. Do what ? Moly Hoses, what's he been 
doing all this time ? 

Marion. I — don't know. 

George. If that don't beat the Dutch 1 Well, you 
can't blame me ! I've done my best and now you'll 
have to settle this out of court, for the parson's here 
and wants to know how soon you'll be ready. 

Dick {cheerfully). Well, it's up to you. 

George. To me ? Why, what in blazes do you 
mean ? 

Dick. Why, it's your deal. I renigged. For- 
feited my hand. Have you got the ring? You have to 
bridge it to Margaret, you know, she makes it hearts 
on a past make, I go back and she — well she can 
finesse all right. 

George. Do — do you mean to say that I — now — 
before all those people who think that you — why I 
can't. I haven't got the nerve. 

Dick {patting /mn on the shoulder). There, there, 
little one, don't be frightened, I'll hold your hand. 
Look at Margaret. She's game all right. Besides you 
can kneel, you know, as soon as he says 'til death us do 
part, and may the Lord have mercy on your soul. 

Marion. Margaret, what does it all mean ? Are 
you going to marry George? I thought he was going to 
be the best man. 

Dick. So he is. The best man for Margaret. 
And as for us {taking Marion's hand), we'll have 
to take Dick's advice and settle our troubles out of 
court. 



CURTAIN. 



JUST PUBLISHED 

AT YALE 

A Comedy Drama of College Life in Three Acta 

By OWEN DAVIS 



CAST OF CHARACTERS • 

Dick Sheelet Yale '05. 

Mr. Clayton Randal Of New York. 

Jack Randal His son, Yale '05, 

Dave Burly Substitute on Yale Crew. 

Jim Tucker Captain of Yale Crew. 

JiMSEY A Telegraph Messenger Boy. 

Clancy A Prize-fighter. 

John Kennedy Coach Yale Crew. 

Frank Young Member of Yale Crew. 

Ed. Scott Friend of Dick and Member of Yalo 

Crew. 

Tom Hatnes Member of Yale Crew. 

Robert Crosby Member of Yale Crew. 

Jepson Boatman. 

Pol 

Harry Wilson 

Will Taylor 

Mrs. Randal Jack's Mother. 

Dorothy Randal Her daughter. 

Polly Burk A friend of Dorothy. 

Mamb Brady A poor girl. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
ACT I.— Vanderbilt Hall, New Haven. 

ACT II. — Scene 1. — A Boat House, Gales Ferry. 

Scene 2. — The Start. Gales Ferry Quarters. 
Scene 3. — The Race. Thames River. 

ACT III. — Exterior of Griswold Hotel, Eastern Point. New Lon- 
don. The night of the race. 

A Comedy Drama of American College Life in Three Acts, by Owen Davis. 
This piece was played with tremendous success all over the United States by 
Paul Gilmore. Sixteen males, four females, four of the men being unimportant. 
This is a play with a distinct college settine:. in which athletics are prominent; 
just the kind of play that Is wanted by nearly every high school and college con- 
templating putting on a play as part of their commencement exercises. There 
are pretty college girls, freshmen, a telegraph messenger boy. coaches, typical 
college boys, members of the crew, substitutes, etc. Any number of males and 
lemales can be used In the ensembles. Plays a full evening. 

miCE. 36 CENTS 



JUST PUBLISHED 



What Happened to Jones 

An Original Farce in Three Acts 
By GEORGE H. BROADHURST 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

JONES, who travels for a hymn-book house 

EBENEZER GOODLY, a professor of anatomy 

ANTONY GOODLY, D.D., Bishop of Balla/rat 

RICHARD HEATHERLY, engaged to Marjorie 

THOMAS HOLDER, a policeman 

WILLIAM BIGBEE, an inmate of the Sanitarium 

HENRY FULLER, superintendeiit of the Sanitarium 

MRS. GOODLY, Ebenezefs wife 

CISSY, Ebenezefs ward 

MARJORIE, ) 

MINERVA J -^^^^^^^'' * daughters 

ALVINA STARLIGHT, Mr. Ooodly's sister 
HELMA, a servant 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT 1. — Handsomely furnished room in home of 

Ebcnezer Goodly. 
ACT 2.— The same. 
ACT 3.— The same. 

This is the jolliest sort of a farce, clean and sparkling all the way 
through. A professor of anatomy is lured to a prize fight and the 
police make a raid on tlie "mill." The professor escapes to his 
home, followed by ,Iones, a traveling salesman, who sells hymn 
books when he can and playing cards when he cannot. The police 
are on the trail, so Jones disguises himself by putting on a Bishop's 
garb, and a lot of funny complications ensue. The other funmakers 
are aided not a little by an escaped lunatic. This celebrated farce 
has been a tremendous success for years on the professional stage and 
is now published for the first time. 

PRICE, 50 CENTS 



(Freneb's Standard Drama Continued Jrom ad page ofCover.) 



VOL. XLI. 
J»l Tht Pir»U's L«««cy 
IS! Tba Chinosl Burnar 
IS3 Adtlgitb* 
SH btnor Valianta 
t-Jb ForMt Rota 
lit Dukc'i Daughter 
J«7 Camilla's Husband 
198 Pure liold 

VOL. XLII. 
m Ticket ot Leave Man 
»!iO Kool'« Revenge 
831 O'Nell tb« Cireat 
332 llaudy Audy 
833 Firaie of the lelea 
iU I' aiichon 
33i Liitli: Barefoot 
S3* Wild Irish Girl 

VOL. XjLIIL 
>37 Pearl of Savoy 
U8 Dead fleart 

839 Ten Nlsbta In a Bar-room 

840 UuinbBoyof Manchester 
341 BelpbeKortbeMounteb'k 

841 Cricket on the Hearth 
848 Printer's Devil 

844 Meg'f Dlveriloo 



VOL. XLIV. 
346 Drunkiu-d's Doom 

346 Cbiiimey Corner 

347 Fifteen V'earsofa Drank- 

348 No Thoroughfare f ard's 

349 Peep O' Day I Life 

350 Everybody's Friend 

351 Gen. Grant 

36< Kathleen Mavourneen 
VOL. XLV. 

353 Nick Whiffles 

354 Fruits of the Wine Cup 

365 Drunkard's Warning 

366 Temperance Doctor 
351 Aunt Dinah 

368 Widovr Freeheatt 

359 Frou Frou 

360 I^ng Strlka 

VOL. XLVI. 

361 Larcare 

362 Lu' ille 

363 Randall's Thumb 

364 Wicked World 

366 Two Orphans 
.366 Colleen Bawn 

367 'Twixt Axe and Crown 

368 Lady Claacarthy 



VOL. XLVU. 

369 Saratoea 

370 Never Too Late »o Mend 

371 Lily of France 

372 Led Astray 

373 Henry V 

374 Unequal Match 

,76 May or Dolly't Delusion 
.176 Allatoona 

VOL. XLVIII. 
377 Enoch Arden 
.i78 Under the G.-is Light 

379 Daniel Rochat 

380 Cast* 
.181 Scb.iol 
3S« Home 

383 David Gurick 

384 Ours 

VOL. XLIX. 
386 Social Glasf 
386 Daniel Druce 
887 Two Rosea 
388 Adrlanne 
889 Tha Belli 

390 Uncle 

391 Courtship 

392 Not Such a root 



VOL. h. 

393 Fine Feathers 

394 Prompter's Box 

395 Iron Master 

396 Engaged 

97 Pygoiallon & Galatea 
^yd Leah 

399 Scrap of Paper 

400 Lost in London 
VOL. LL 

401 Octoroon 

402 Confederate Spy 

403 Mariner's Return 

404 Ruined by Drink 

405 Dreama 

406 M. P. 

407 War 

408 Birth 
VOL. LIL 

409 Nightingale 

410 Progreaa 

411 Play 

412 Midnight Charge 

413 ConflrtentUl Clerk 

414 Snowball 

415 Our Regimenv 

416 Married for Money 
nlet in Three Acta 

Guttle & Gulplt 



FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITION 
OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. 

The following very successful plays have just been issued at 25 cents per copy. 



A PAIR OF SPECTACLES. Comedy Ir- 3 Act* 
by SvDNhY Gkunuv. author of "Sowing the Wind,' 
Ac. 8 male, 3 feuiale characters. 

A POOL'S PARADISE. An original play In 8 
Acts bv Sydnkv f^BUM y, author of ''Sowing the 
Wind," Ac. 6 male, 4 feuiale characters. 

THE SILVER SHIELD. An original comedy In 
3 Actf by SYrtNBV Grundy, author of ''Sowing the 
Wind," iStc. 6 male, 3 female characters. 

THE GLASS OF TASTTION-. An original com- 
edy in 4 Acts by Sy.n > ■uindy. author of " Sowing 
the Wind," &c. b male. 5 female characters. 



THE BALLOON. Farcical comedy In S Acts by J. 

H. Dahm.ey and Manville Fenn. 6 male, 4 female 

characters. 
MTS8 CLEOPATRA, Farce In 3 Acta by Abthub 

Shirlky. 7 male, 3 female characters. 
SIX PERSONS. Comedy Act by I. Zangwill. 

1 male, 1 feinale character. 
FASHIONAH, E INTELLIGENCE. Comedi- 
etta in 1 Act by Peboy Fundali,. 1 male, 1 female 

cha .-acter. 
HTQ-PLAND LEGACY. Comedy In 1 Act by 

Bram)On Thomas, author of "Charley's Aunt." 

6 male, 2 female characters. 



Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. 



Amateur Drama 

Amateur Operas 

Articles Needed by Amataat* 

Art of Scpne Painting 

Baker's Reading Club 

Beards, Whiskers, Mustaches, etc. 

Bound Sets of I'lavs 

Bulwer Lytton's flaya 

BurlesQiie Dramas 

Burnt Cork 

Cabman's Story 

Carnival of Authors 

Charade Plavs 

Children's Plays 

Comic Dramas for Male Characters 

only 
Costume Books 
Crape Hair 
Cumberland Edition 
Darkey Dramas 
Dramas for Boys 
Drawing-room ^onoTogues 
Elocution, Reciters and Speakers 
Ethiopian Dramas 



Eveninir's Entertainment 

Fairy and Home Plays 

French's Costumes 

French's Editions 

French's Italian Operas 

Frencli's Parlor Comediee 

French's Slanuard and Minor Drama 

French's Standard and Minor Drama, 

bound 
French's Scenes for Amateurs 
Frobisher's ' or'ular Recitals 
Grand Army Dramas 
Guide Books for Am^teura 
Guide to Selecting Plays 
Hints on Costumes 
Home Plays for Ladies 
Irish Plays 
Irving's Plavs 
.luvenile Plays 
Make-Up Book 
Make-Up Box 
Mock Trial 

Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works 
New PUys 



New Recitation Books 

Nigcer Jokes and Stump Speeches 

I'arktr Magic 

Parlor Pantomimes 

Pieces of Pleasantry 

Poems for Recitations 

Plays for M^'^ Characters only 

Rotind Games 

Scenery 

Scriptural and Historical Dramas 

Sensation Dramas 

Se'io-Comic Dramas 

Shadow Pantomimes 

Shakespeare's Plays for Amateurs 

Siiakespeare's Playa 

"Stanley's Dwarfs 

Spirit Gum 

Tahteaux Vivants 

Talma Actor's Art 

Temperance Plavs 

Vocal Music of Shakespeare's Plays 

Webster's Acting Edition 

Wigs, etc. 



(French's Minor Drama Continue.! from 4th page of Cover.) 



VOL, XLI. 

821 Adventures of a Love 
812 ost Child [Letter 

S2J Court Cards 
IM Cox and Box 
n lortv Winks 
•26 Wonderful Woman 
527 Curious Case 
IK Tweadleton's Tall Coat 



VOL. XLII. 

329 As Like as Two Peas 

330 Presumptive Evidenci 

331 Happv Band 

332 Pinafore 

333 Mock Trial 

3.'?4 My Uncle's Will 
335 Happy ""air 
836 My Turn Next 



VOL. XLHI. 

337 Sunset 

338 For Haifa Million 

339 C ble Car 

340 Eirly Bird 
:'41 .Mnmni I'lay 
34'i Show of Hands 
.•MS Rarbara 

344 Who's Who 



VOL. XLIV. 
.346 Who's To Win Him 

346 Which is Which 

347 Cup of Tea 

SI'* Sarah's Young Man 

349 Hearts 

350 In Honor Bound [La' 
3.t1 Freezing a Mother-ii 
352 My Lord in Llvary 



3AMUEL FRENCH, 28=30 West 38th Street, New York City. 



J 



«pg^ Ne«r and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed "ree on Request. 



iS I 



JPENCH'S MIN 



Price 15 Cents each.— Boui 



VOL. 1. 
I The Irl»h Ailorney 
9 BooU "t till- Swan 
8 II.. w to I'l.v the Kent 
4 The Loan of a Lover 
6 The Di'ii.l Shot 
6 His l.tist <'n 
1 The hivi-oTc Prino« 
b The Hol.lcii Knrmer 

VOL. II. 
t I'rideof ihe Market 

10 U«ed Up 

1 1 The Irish I'utor 

]i I'lio Barrack Room 

13 Lviite the La orer 

14 Beautv anJ the Beait 
16 St. Pa"trlik'! Kve 

It CabtalTi of the Watch 

V(JL. HI. 
IITheSe.rot [dl-- 

Ig White Hone of the Pep- 
It The Jacobite 
SO The Bottle 
91 Box anil Col 
a Banihooilliig 
23 W.doiv'e Victim 
!4 Kobert VI kcsire 
VOL. IT. 
?g Secret Service 
'i6 Oiiiiiibua 
97 Irith Lioa 
■li .Maid of Crolur 
49 The Old (Suard 
80 Raising the Wind 
31 Slafher ;tnd Cr:tsher 
33 Naval Eiii;-<»;einenU 
• Vl)L. V. 

.38 Cocknies in Califoruie 
:t4 Wli.i Speaks Klrst 
.■(.■i Boinh.aites KinioBO 
3« Macbeth Travestie 
37 Irish Ainbassidor 
:i!i Delicate Ground 

39 The Weathercock (Gold 

40 All tliat Glitters la Not 

VOL. VL 
'* GrIinslmW} Barshftw and 

RraiUhaw 
4 R'jUi^h Diamond 
lb Mooiner (,'ostume 
M Two Bonnycanlee 
t.<> Born to Good Luck 



S ^fo; or, IheGIc 

1 17 (Coroner's Inqu 

IIS Love in Humble Life 
119 Family Jars 
I'JO I'erionation 

VOL. XVI. 

121 Children In the Wood 

122 Winning a l{u>li.ind 

123 Day After the Fair 

124 Maki Your Will* 
I ^'5 Rendezvous 

,„.,,,_, ,. 126 My Wife's Husband 

lb Kiss In he Dark [jurer ,.^, Monsieur Tonson 

123 lllustrioufi Stranger 



VOL. XI. 
SI O'Flannig in and the Fal- 
02 Irish I'ost [ries 

BS My Neigiibor'e Wife 
S4 IrUh Tiger 

85 I'. P., or Man and Tiger 
b6 To Oblige Benion 
81 State Secrets 

88 Irish Yankee 

VOL. XII. 

89 A Good Fellow 

•0 Cherry and Fair Star 

91 Gale Breeiely 

92 Our Jemiuiv 
»3 .Miller's .Maid 

W Awkward Arrival 
'^b Croa.4iiig the Line 
m Coiijuga. Lessou 
VOL. XIII. 
97 Mv Wife's .Mirror 
US Liie in .New York 
99 Middy .\shore 

100 Crown Prince 

101 Two Queens 

102 Thumping Legacy 

103 Unfinished n-atlemao 

104 House Dog 
VOL. XIV. 

105 The Demon Lover 

106 -Vlfttrimony 

107 In and Out of Place 
08 I Dine with My .VIother 

10» Ili-a-wa-tha 
no Andv Blake 

111 Love" in '76 Jtle^ 

112 Romance under Dimcul 
VOL. XV. 

113 One Coat for 2 Suite 

1 14 A Decided Cass 
11.5 Daughter _ [norltv 

■ >us Mi 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

|l|l II!! 



162 v 

163 M 
lr>4 SI 
16k .\. 
166 Lau. 
•.61 Take Ca 

168 Irish NMd 

VOL. XXll 

169 Yankee IVdiiler 

170 Hirioi llireout 
111 DimblcBedded Room 

172 1 he Dnina Deieuded 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 
114 Kbeiiezer Venture [tei 



017 400 949 1 



Little 
[Charley 



1 7; I'l 



■i|,l.* fr. 



Con. 



uld Piiule 
t8 Kill or Cure 

VOL. VII. 

49 Box and Cox Married and 

50 St. Cupid [Settled 

51 Qo-to-bed Tom 
6i The Lawyers 
63 Jack ^beppard 
54 The Toodlee 
56 The Mobcap 
56 Ladles Beware 

VOL. VIII. 
.M Morning Call 
68 Popping the Questloi. 

59 Deaf as a Post 

60 Nev Footman 

»l Pleasant Neighbor 
.2 Paddy the Piper 

63 Brian O'LInu 

64 Irish Assuran(^e 

VOL. IX 
66 Temptation 

66 Paddv "^srev 

67 Two Gregorles 

68 KlngCha-miog 

69 Po-ca-hon-tas 

70 Clockmaker's Hat 
11 Married Rake 

19 Love and Murder 

VOL. X. 
18 Ireland and America 
14 Pretty Piece of Business 
16 Iriih Broom-maker 
16 To Paris and Back for 

Mve Pounds 
11 That Blessed Bahr ~ 
18 Our Gal 
1» ••v.is. l"..ttage 
<0 Yuong Wldev> 



VOL. XVII. 
129 Mischief-Making [MI nei: 
no A Live Woman in the 
HI The Corsnlr 
132 Shvlock 
1.33 Sp^iiiud Child 

134 iCvil Eve 

135 ■•' Ihing to Nursa 

136 Wanted IS xVldow ; 

VOL. XVIIL 
131 Lottery Ticket 

138 Fortune's Frollo 

139 Is he J0.1I0US! 
I'.O Married Bachelor 

141 Husband at Sight 

142 Iriahniau in London 

143 .^ ni'ha! Ma;;netisin 

144 Highways and By-W ays 

VOL. XIX. 
146 Columbus 

146 Harlequin Bluebeard 

147 Ladie. .it Home 

148 Phenomenon In a SliocV 

Frock 

149 Commlv and Tragedy 
ISOOppo.lie Velclibors • 
151 Dutchman's Ghost 
162 Persecuted Dutchman 

VOL. XX. 
ti8 ivfuiard Ball 
.!,' Great Tragic Revival 
156 High Low J 
U( A i;entlrtni 



U7 T. 

\!M Village I 

I6f CaplHin's not A-mli 

)tH Amateurs uid Aoto: 



176 Ladv of the Lake (Trav; 

Vol. XXIIl. 
m Mad Dogs 
17« B:irney the B:iron 

179 Swiss Swains 

180 Bachelor's Bedrcm 

181 A Ridnnd for an Oliver 

182 .More Blunders than One 

183 Dumb Belle 
1^4 Lini'-rick bov 

VOL. XklV. 
In5 Vature and Philosophy 
IS6 Teddy the Tiler 
1^7 .Spectre Bridegroom 

188 .Matteo Falcone 

189 Jenny Llud 

190 Two Buizaids 

191 Happy M:tn 
1SI2 Betsy" Baker 

Vol. XXV. 

193 No. I Round the Comer 

I •,14 Teddy Roe 

195 Object of Int-'rest 

96 My Fellow Clerk 

97 Bengal liger 

198 Laughing Hvens 

199 The Victor Vanquished 
00 Our Wife 

VOL. XXVI. 

201 My Husband's Mirror 

202 Yankee Land 

203 Norah Creina 

204 Good for Nothing 
'05 The Fir-t .Night 
06 The Eto.T Boy 

201 Wandering A'llnslrel 

208 Wanted, lliiiO .Milliner* 
VOL. XXVH. 

209 Poor Pllcod.ly 

210 The .Mummy (Glas'fi 

211 Don't Forg.t your Operu 

212 Love in l.Tvery 

213 Anthony and Cleopatra 

214 Trying h On 

215 Stage Struck Yankee 

216 YouTig Wife & Old Um- 
brella 

VOL. xxvm. 

917 Crinoline 

218 A Familv FMlling 

219 AdoptedChllil 

220 Turned Heads 

21 A Match in the Dark 

22 advice to Husbands 

23 Siame*ie Twins 
224 Sent to the Tnwei 

VOL XX|V 
'26 Somebody '• Ise 
' « Ij«die«' Bailie 
•7 - rt of Acting 
228 The I-ndv n( the l.lons 

■f M.in 
2.30 Mv husuand's Ghost 

231 Two Can Play at thai 
Game 

232 Fighting hv Proxy 
VOL. XXX. 

233 Unprntecled Female 
2.34 Pet of tli.yPeltlcoats 

k A Game 2.35 Forlv nnd Flltv [book 
from lr.-''.'.36 Who .«toIe the Pockei- 



247 .Maid with the \lilk 

248 Perplexing Predicnui 
VOL. XXXU. 

249 Dr. D:I worth 

250 Out to Nurse 

251 A Lucky Hit 
262 The DoWager 
■253 .MeUniora (Burlexiue 
254 Dieamsof Deliis.on 

Chafac: 255 The Shaker Lover* 



[land! 



!7 Mv Son DIa 
238 llnwarrintahle lot 
2.39 Mr. .nd M-. While 
240 A Quiet Fanillv 



(slo 



(Fr«Hcb't MiM'tr Drama Contimif.i on ^d page of Cover.) 



256 Ticklish Til 

VOL. XXXIII. 
.'61 20 Miuuli^s with a Tii/'i 
26S Miralda; or, the Ju-l. . 
of Tacon 

269 A Soldier's CourUblp 

260 Servants by Legacy 

261 Dying for Love 

262 Alarming Sacrifice 
2ii3 Valet de Sham 

264 Nicholas Mckleby 

vou xxxiv; 

265 The Last of the Plrlallt 

266 King Rene's Daughter 

267 The (Iroilo Nvmph 
29S A Devilish Good Joke 
2.>9 A Twice Told Tale 

270 Pas de Fascination 
71 Revolutionary Soldier 

272 A Man Without a Head 
VOL. XX>.V. 

273 The Olio, Part 1 

274 Tne olio. Part J 
276 The Olio, Part 3 Itei 

276 The TrunipeUr's Daugb- 

277 Seeing Warren 

278 Green Mountain Boy 

279 That Nose 
2*0 Tom Noddy's .Secret 

VOL XXXVI. 
281 Shocking Event* 
'282 A Reguhir Fix 

283 Dick Turpin 

284 Young .'^c inp 
'285 Young Actress 
Sr^r, Call at No. 1—1 
2-7 One Touch of Natnrt 
•288 Two B'hoys 

VOL. XXXVII. 
•289 All the World's a Stage 
■.'!*o Quash, or Nigger 1-rao- 

291 Tur.i Him Out [tlce 

292 Pretty Girls of Stillberg 

293 Angel of the Attic 

294 r-rnmstancesalterCaeee 

295 K,>tty O'Sheal 

296 A Supper in Dixie 

VOL. xxxviir. 

291 Id on Parle Francals 
•29S Who Killed Co,.k Robin 
W9 nerlaraliouofli.dep<md- 

300 Head< or Tails [ence 

301 Ob<tinaI<- Family 
S"2 My Mint 
303 That Rascal Pat 
<04 Don Paddv de Baian 

VOL. XXXIX. [lure 
.305 Too Much for Good Na- 
for the Ftdgi-te 

307 Jncl,'< the Ij«d 

308 Much Ado Ab..ui Nothing 
30(1 Artful D.Mlwr 

no Wiimli.B Hatard 

HI Day's Fishing [Ac 

312 Did vou ev r send vour, 

VOL. XL. 
3I!I An Irlrhninn's Maneuver 

314 Cousin Knnle 

315 'Ti. th. Dark...! Hourb*- 

316 .Masqu."-tu|.- IforoDawn 
.ill r'r..wdioif Ihe S. ason 
SlHRood \ii.'bl', U^st 

.•;19 Man with theTarpetB' • 
8211 Terrible Tinker 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street. New York City. 

Ne«' wnij Exploit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request. 



